Democratic congressman Adam Smith has criticised Donald Trump's claim that Iran's downing of a US fighter jet does not alter ceasefire negotiations, warning that if Iran holds an American service member hostage it 'fundamentally changes the equation'. Smith, the top Democrat on the House armed services committee, told CNN that Trump's contradictory statements make a ceasefire deal unlikely.
Smith rejected Trump's assertion that Iran is 'begging for a deal', saying there is no evidence of that. He also noted rumours that Vice President JD Vance is attempting to negotiate a brief ceasefire, but questioned the terms given the president's lack of clarity.
Meanwhile, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin told CBS News that the downing of two US military aircraft suggests the US does not have 'complete' control, though his full comment was not included in the report.
The developments come amid ongoing conflict with Iran, which has also led to fuel price hikes in Pakistan and fuel shortages in Australia over the Easter weekend. In Pakistan, state-run public transport has been made free for a month after petrol prices rose 42.7%. In Australia, energy minister Chris Bowen urged people to stick to travel plans despite shortages, while the government warned of economic shocks for months.
In Lebanon, loud explosions were reported in Beirut as Israel struck what it called 'terror infrastructure' linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group.
